Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-10-04

and who have by the influence of politics
either escaped partially or wholly the pun
ishment awarded them. These officials
have been elected by the democrats simply
for the purpose of doing dirty election
work, beng the only tools that would
stoop to the abominable methods that
were necessary to retain power. The
third cause is found in the utter disregard
for, and that lack of, decency and respect.
able moral character which have made
Baltimore so conspicuous among the large
cities of the country. 1t is asserted that
the influence of the party has not been
confined to politics, but that in those de-
partments of municipal government and
in the educational system there are many
unhealthtul influences. Another cause set
forth by the independent democrats for their
alliance with the republicans is the coun-
tenance given these corruptions, frauds and
criminal officials by the President of the
United States, Grover Cleveland. who by
his UNFOLDING Higgins and others of his
ilk. and his determined defense of them
against the accusations of the Reform
League, has been very instrumental in
bringing about this revolt. The position
OF reform" President settled the
allegiance OF the respectable democrats of
Maryland.
Beside these causes stated by speakers
the independent democrats adopted and
issued an address arraigning the demo-
Gratis in the most scathing terms. The
indictments set forth are in substance as
follows
There is no democratic party in Baltimore
City. There is an organization here calling
itself by the name of the democratic party
and debasing that name to the worst uses.
1t is a purely commercial associa
ton, trading 10 legislation and patronage as
business. Seven men have been
appointed to office under the city, State and
national governments within few months
past who have taken human life, and these
appointments have not been made by over
sight, but in spite of all protests-in most
SooNo ehcy "SiS iNopPoAhshShN
We do, therefore, as democrats, disown
allegiance to the so-called democratic party
il this State, as a sham and fraud, and we
call upon every true democrat to join with
US this year in defeating the candidates,
State and city, of this self constituted organ
lZatiOn
We will not listen to party that publicly
cheats and refuses to stop cheating. but
promises TO pass laws to make itself honest.
Last but not least, we regard the position
which the so called democratic party has
taken on the subject of civil service reform
as burning disgrace to our State.
The significance of this revolt is
two fold; it aims to eradicate the evils of
municipal and State politics and also to
rebuke the President for his attitude upon
civil service reform, involving beside his
disregard of the purity and efficiency of
service, his approval of the methods
which debase not only the service but the
institutions securing government. The
New York Mail and Express in touching
upon this point says:
"This is the inevitable outcome of the pol
lev of giving over the Federal offices, in one
of the few States to the German ring.
The American people are generous critics of
their Executive and will always honor the
office, but they resent any attempt to fool
them and despise Presidential insincerity
They know the disgraceful condition Of demo-
cratic politics in Maryland. They know that
Senator German, who is the "boss" of the
corrupt democratic cabal that has worn out
the patience of honest Maryland democrats,
is the most favored Senatorial visitor at the
White House, and that his Federal appointees
are the chief and the worst of the gang of
Baltimore politicians whose infamies have
finally made all the best democrats Of Mary
land the open allies and supporters of the re-
publicans of that State, in the present re-
markable campaign. A machine is no strong
er than its weakest point. The Cleveland
machine will be smashed in that part of it
which Senator Gorma1 has been running,
with perfect and warranted assurance of
Presidential support